Grand Junction Things to Do

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This seems like a "little" Grand Canyon with the steep crevices and sheer walls of color. John Otto came here in 1907 and loved the canyons, so stayed and promoted this to be a national park. Eventually with GC citizens, the NPS accepted the park in 1911. Otto carved oout most of the traiols taken today. The 23 mile Rim Drive road is the main one going through the park, and winds up the mountains about 2,000 feet. The views are fabulous, both overlooking the park colors and valleys, but also the panorama view of the valley below. Visitor center is at the north end of the park, and has a gift shop and NPS people to answer questions. There are 14 trails that can be taken and around 11 overlooks along Rim Rock Dr.
The park also connects with McInnis CAnyons that is managed by Bureau of Land Management. It is much more rugged and remote for sites and adventures, but there are trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding. Adjacent to that is the Black Ridge CAnyon Wilderness, an even more remote NCA, and no roads to enter; only foot or horseback.

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The large collection of street art found in Grand Junction arrived there in a variety of ways, but in everyway was approved by a committee of citizens. Some work was purchased by commission or grant. Some work was donated by an art competition, and some work remains on display as available to be purchased from the artist. Other works were commissioned by the business where the art work is on display. The western end of Main Street in Grand Junction has a number of important pieces. The selection of art ranges widely in terms of size, materials used, and in style of artistry, so check out all the images.

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The City Hall has a nice modern art piece, and there is an outstanding sculpture fountain, but then there are some small private contributions, and a bust of a civic leader too. Grand Junction's collection of street art is truely impressive...

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Until a few years ago, the Colorado River was a dumping ground for old cars and trash. Now, volunteer organizations have restored the natural wetland shores of the river right within the city of Grand Junction. A Botanical Garden and Museum is located at the foot of 7th Street, just across the railroad tracks, and closer to the river is a paved walkway with several pedestrian bridges. I returned to the truck by way of a bicycle trail along the river. At the time of my visit, it was near dark and the Botanical Gardens closed. Rafters and Kayak enthusiasts will be interested in these photos of the river at dusk.

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It becomes very apparent that the town has developed a tradition that businesses have subscribed to. Most well established businesses in town have commissioned a sculpture to decorate their store front. But, then the city's open spaces and parking areas are also decorated! In this series of images two of the large pieces are also moving art forms, while one is a bust of a baby.

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I started to drive into the BLM administered area, but back out after a short distance. There are roads that are not very good, and looked like they were getting worse as distance went on. So, I walked in a ways, but not enough to see the sites in the interior about 3 miles. These are rugged and remote parks that are not inviting to most people. The combined area of the two parks is 225 square miles and the NCA has control over the access and limits people visiting the area. If you are a "rugged" one, this remote and pristine region would be fun to hike for a couple of days, and camp

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There are a string of old motels where the strip used to be on north Street for tourists to come and stay. A lot, if not all have survived yet, even though some may be long term stay for migrant workers and lower poverty families today. Amazingly they are still fairly well maintained, and looks like they want to compete with the chains. The 1950-60's art deco fashion look is memorable

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It is a popular attraction for many people coming form Denver are, but also a number of traveling tourists. The springs is one main feature to draw people, but they also have an adventure park, a cave, thrill rides sluice box and so many other touristy things I do not want any part of. I am a more mundane who likes the outdoors and open spaces, not clustered tour traps to get money for not much fun. The Colorado runs right next to the town, and the springs are housed inside now for comfort